Simple Natural Sleep Solutions (that actually work!)

This is the fourth instalment in our new sleep series brought to you by Sovereign. Over the past few weeks we’ve been looking at What Your Dreams Say About You, Six Sure-Fire Ways To Get Better Sleep and we’ve even solved Six Of The Most Embarrassing Sleep Secrets

This week we’re focusing on some of the best tried-and-tested natural sleep solutions guaranteed to help you drift off into a dreamy slumber.

1. Get More Melatonin
Melatonin is super important when it comes to sleep. While melatonin can be taken as a natural supplement it can also be found naturally in cherries. Melatonin helps maintain our sleep and wake cycle by causing drowsiness and lowers body temperature, working with the central nervous system to sync our biological clock.

2. Cozy Up with Catnip
Catnip, a plant that is a member of the mint family, isn’t just for your fluffy four-legged friend it actually has a sedative effect on humans. While it can make your furry friend a little frisky it can do the opposite for us and make us relaxed and drowsy. Enjoy a mug of catnip tea before bed with a dash of honey.

3. Valerian
Valerian is a plant whose roots are used as a sedative and sleep aid. It’s also often used as a natural anxiety treatment. Dried valerian root can be brewed into a pot of tea and it is also available in capsule form.

4. Drink Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice is full of tryptophan and for this reason it’s one of the most popular natural sleep aids. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that coverts to serotonin, which then coverts to melatonin.

5. Magnificent Magnesium
Many of us tend to be lacking in magnesium and it’s super important when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep because it helps to calm the central nervous system. While the best way to up your magnesium is to eat a really well balanced diet but taking supplements can also be really effective.

6. Lavender Love
Aromatherapy shouldn’t be overlooked as a really beneficial way to getting to sleep. Numerous studies have shown that aromatherapy, and specially lavender, can definitely help to calm our brainwaves before bed. Spritz your pillow with lavender mist or burn some lavender essential oil as part of your evening wind-down ritual.

7. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an ancient herbal-cure-all and has been used to treat everything from asthma to snake bites for centuries. More recently it’s been used to lift our mood and promote calmness and relaxation. Several studies have confirmed its sedative effects, however it should be noted that too high of a dosage (1800 milligrams) may actually increase anxiety so take care.

8. Saint John’s Wort
Like lemon balm, Saint John’s Wort is often used as a natural treatment for depression. It works by helping to raise the overall level of serotonin in our brains. More serotonin equals more melatonin and more melatonin equals better sleep. You can take it in capsule form or brew a strong tea to use as a sleep aid.

Do you have any natural sleep solutions you can recommend? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

Sovereign helps you sleep easy knowing you are always covered in case of an emergency. To find out more about taking charge of your life visit Sovereign.co.nz

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